Taija is 5!

I am not sure where the time has gone, but it seems as though I now have a 5 YEAR OLD!  How did this happen?!  It seems like just the other day that Justin and I made the decision that I was going to have a C-Section and the following day found us on our way to begin this journey called parenthood.  And what a journey it has been!!  I am not sure anyone really understands what they are getting themselves into when they decide to become parents.  It is one of the most challenging, but rewarding jobs.  I love being a mother, especially to my beautiful, smart, strong-willed, passionate daughter.

Taija has truly grown so much in the last year.  She is still as skinny as ever, but a bit taller, and quite a bit more courageous.  She really does LOVE to learn, and so far enjoys preschool.  She is not a bit shy.  LOVES to sing primary songs and boss her siblings around.  Taija is extremely good at trying my patience!  She gets in her mind that she needs to do something and NEEDS to do it RIGHT then. Needless to say since she has a younger brother and sister who also need my attention we have had a few meltdowns - although they are getting fewer and farther between.

Taija still loves to swim and dance and her new found obsession are HORSES.  Thanks to Pa and Grammy she has been taking riding lessons and is a natural if I do say so myself.  While she doesn't ALWAYS like to share she is really good at including Luke and Mika in any game she is playing - especially while pretending to be a puppy or horse.  It is not uncommon for Taija to be taking care of 'trout' (aka Luke) throughout the day, or 'red' or 'angus' the horses.  Since Pa taught her how to tie knots in ropes, Taija likes to play 'leash' and tie up her brother!

I am so grateful that Taija is a part of our family and look forward to many more years with this beautiful child I get to call mine!

These are the treats that Taija took to her preschool class...

Since Taija had a friend party last year we just invited our friends the Itri's over for cake and ice cream.  Since horses are her favorite it was obvious what her cake would be...

Happy 5th Birthday Taija Ane!